Flagler Volunteer Services - Can you help??

Volunteering in your community is a great way to show your neighbors that you care.

Here in Palm Coast and Flagler County, there are many ways to contribute your time and talent.  Most recently I contributed several hours of graphic design for the Flagler Beach Historical Museum's fundraiser, Gilli-Gala    The rewards are more than the feeling you get from helping out.  In this case, I received great exposure, learned some new collaboration skills in Adobe InDesign® and developed both personal and business relationships with other members of our community.

Check out these ideas of needs in our community:

Office Help Needed
There are several agencies that are currently seeking office help 1-2 days per week.  If you can donate your time please let us know.  Current needs:

• Flagler Volunteer Services: Volunteers must have phone and computer skills and be willing to work at least 4 hours per week.
  
• Flagler Auditorium: Volunteers that can help 1-2 days per week in the office, as well as volunteers to help write press releases, grants, and assist as event coordinators.

Fun Coast Bed Race
Volunteers needed to help with planning and promoting of Flagler Fun Coast Bed Race, October 2, 2010.   Additional volunteers will be needed to assist with event logistics and activities.

Volunteer Reading Mentors - "I CAN READ"
Volunteers are needed to be reading mentors.  The mentors provide one on one reading/mentoring with students in grades K-3 and make a commitment to serve the same child/children for the entire school year.  Schools in need of assistance are:   Rymfire Elementary School & Wadsworth Elementary School.  If you are interested in learning more please call the Flagler Volunteer Services office at 597-2950 to sign up for a mandatory orientation and training session.

Tax Prep Volunteers

AARP would like to know if any volunteers are interested in being candidates for volunteer tax preparers candidates for the coming season.  Only real requirement is basic computer knowledge. They will train all volunteers. The preliminary training for new people will be two full days in late November and the full training program will be three days in January. Volunteers need only volunteer one day per week from February 1 through April 15, although they are always happy if you can do more. They also need a few additional non-computer people to work as facilitators and appointment takers.

Flagler Beach Historical Museum
If you are a history buff, or just love to talk to people, the Flagler Beach Historical Museum is the place for you. They are looking for new DOCENTS and you could help greet their guests and answer their questions about the area.

Volunteers to sew dog beds: Second Chance Rescue
Volunteers are needed to sew dog beds.  Second Chance Rescue will supply precut fabric or bulk and the stuffing to be sewn together. There are different size dog beds which will need to be completed by the first week in October.  The dog beds will be used as a fundraiser for their organization.

American Red Cross - Disaster Action Team Members

The American Red Cross needs volunteers to be trained as Disaster Action Team Members.  These volunteers will respond to home fires and other local disasters and provide assistance to clients with their most immediate needs.



Upcoming events

Friday/Saturday - October 1/2, 2010 -  Fun Coast Bed Race

Flagler Volunteer Services, Kiwanis Club of Flagler County, and the Flagler Beach Rotary Club in coordination with the City of Flagler Beach will conduct the 2nd Annual Flagler Fun Coast Bed Race to Benefit Children and Youth Programs in Flagler County.  Activities begin with a preview party at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and continue Saturday with the Bed Parade at 3:00 p.m. and the Bed Race at 4:00 p.m.  You can get a team together, build a bed and decorate it according to a theme that YOU CHOOSE!  If you win the race, you take home the bragging rights for the whole year.  So wake up you sleepy head, get up, get out of bed and join us as a participant or just come out and watch the fun and excitement.   Prizes will be awarded for Beauty, Creativity, and Decorative Humor at the parade.  To you register your team or get more info, contact Jean MacAllister at 597-2950 or visit our website at www.flaglerfuncoastbedrace.org .

Friday/ Saturday - October 1/2, 2010, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m
Giving Store Rummage Sale
in the Cattleman’s Hall at the F.C. Fairgrounds
This is our fall rummage sale to benefit the RSVP Giving Store.  We will have amazing treasures and trinkets for unbelievable bargain prices.  Please stop by and check out the selection.  Also if you have items you would like to donate please call the office to schedule drop off or pick up.

Saturday, October 9, 2010 – Fishing Tournament 
Join us as we fish the waterway from St. Augustine Inlet to the Tomoka River.  The tournament will be held at Herschel King Park, Palm Coast  There is a $50 entry per person.  Prizes will be given in the following categories:  Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Drum.  You CAN Win Big $$$!  Proceeds will benefit the signature programs conducted by Flagler Volunteer Services.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 -  Preventing Identity Theft
A presentation on Preventing Identity Theft is being offered by RBC Bank to any interested volunteers.  The presentation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Location to be determined.  Please register to attend by calling our office.  You are invited to participate.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Taste of Portugal Luncheon to benefit the Giving Store
The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m and cost $20 to attend.  Buffet includes:  Chicken Marsala, Steak with onions, Fish filet in lemon sauce, Rice, Roasted potatoes, Mixed vegetables, Salad, Dessert and Beverage.  Gratuity is included in the cost.  There will be doorprizes and a 50/50.  Additionally, if you bring a new, unwrapped gift for the Giving Store (no food or clothing please) you will receive a raffle ticket!!

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For more information on opportunities or events, visit www.flaglervolunteer.org or call 386-597-2950

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Compiled by Christine Speno...  Christine was formerly the editor of Palm Coast Neighborhood News, and she is currently a semi-monthly columnist for the St. Augustine Record  focusing on Palm Coast and Flagler County community news. She works as a volunteer with several non-profits in our area doing graphic design. She is the founder of Words Etc Writing & Editing offering writing, editing, blogging, and graphic design services. She maintains a close relationship with Embry Riddle by offering editing services to graduate students working on their thesis and graduate research projects. She is married and has three grown daughters who all reside in Florida.

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